what water trough heater do you reccomend.

Hi, I live in Northwestern Montana. I just moved here last year, and was not wuite expecting a chill so far. But I went out this morning to find that the trough was frozen. We have one of those 100 gallon Rubbermaid brand. Last year when we purchased it we had gotten a heater that was installed to the bottom. The heater did not work at the end of winter, and the bottom wasn't that frozen, but the top was. I have noticed neighbors using floating heaters. Can't a horse get burnt on those? Well, i heard they work sufficiently well. So would you reccomend me try one of those this year?
Thanks
Nikki

These posts have really interested me. Living in the UK, we get bad frost, and everything freezes for days. I have to fill dozens of plastic water buts, and take them every day. I can't stop the tap freezing, but if I could fill the old bath to the top and put something in it to stop it freezing(soon it will freeze rock solid, and I have to take a heavy metal pole to break the ice, and somedays, there's no point, because the lot is froze)I have looked through all my catoloues and their is nothing. Could you give me a name and brand of the things you are talking about, and I will see if I can find a supplier over here. This would save me a lot of heavy lifting during these horrible months.

you know what problems we have don't you. I have tried the footballs, but they froze into the water. Have you ever heard of the water heaters, they would have to work off battery(like elec fence) for me. It's a nightmare, especially if you soak you hay like I do.

The bubblers are similar to fish tank bubblers and they keep the water moving as well. There is very little fire hazard and they are simple to use. I will try to see if I can find a manufacturer in your area of the world!

Insulation and solar energy will reduce freezing in the tank. Use black materials to absorb heat from the sun. Large heavy-equipment tires with concrete poured in the bottom can be used as water tanks. They are black and the rubber is flexible enough to resist cracking during cold spells. There are dealers in Colorado and Wyoming who sell these tanks.

If you already have a tank, paint it black to increase solar warming.

Partially bury the tank or pile dirt around it to provide insulation or use some other insulating material. Much of the heat loss occurs at the water surface. Use an insulated cover over most of the tank, leaving just enough exposed surface for the animals to get a drink.

If you can keep the water moving, it is less likely to freeze. A small pump can be used to circulate the water. Solar energy can be used to power the pump. You don't need a large pump designed for moving water uphill. Look for a small pump to keep the water circulating in the tank. Expect a small pump with photovoltaic cells to cost about $500.

Energy-free waterers use heat from the ground to avoid freezing. The above-ground tanks are insulated and water enters through an insulated tube that extends 1 foot below the frostline. The geothermal heat from incoming water prevents ice buildup. The warm water rises while the cool water near the surface falls, creating a circulation that prevents freezing. Energy-free waterers cost about $420.

A propane bubbler is another option for stock waterers. This device is anchored to the bottom of the stock tank and releases a slow stream of bubbles from a 5-gallon propane tank. The bubbles, which are not harmful to livestock, carry warmer water from the bottom of the tank up to the surface where they maintain a small open hole in the ice during moderate weather. The bubbler costs less than $100 and operates for up to three months on five gallons of propane.

Propane heaters cost about $300. They clamp to the side of a tank, are controlled by a thermostat and are connected to a propane tank.

The best solution to freezing water will vary depending on your operation and resources. Focusing on the concepts of solar warming, insulation and moving water will lead you toward a system that works for you.

That is a great peice. One problem for me only flowing water where Pic is comes from the tap, no constant flow water truff. And also, when it's been down to -15, out winter sun just isn't strong enough, it's freeeezing, even if there is a little sun.

I thought the water heater thing sounded a great solution to me lugging the water carriers(kills me), but they are pretty expensive, and got no electic. I did try the tyre and the footballs, but they just freeze into the water. So looks like I am stuck with the B****y water carriers.